Beach Weekend offers paddleboard rentals and tours, pontoon rentals, dolphin cruises and private charters. Book ahead to reserve your rental!
Rent a boat to Spectre Island
Beat the traffic—rent a boat! The whole family will enjoy cruising the bay.
Look for dolphins on your way out to Spectre Island, a quiet haven for all kinds of wildlife. Pack a picnic and play in the clear, shallow water along the banks.
Nestled in Santa Rosa Sound, Spectre Island is a tucked away, sandy home to a myriad of birds, fish, and other critters found in its waters and along its shore. Spectre Island is the result of an army dredging project and shares its name with one of the aircraft flown out of Hurlburt Field, a U.S. Air Force installation near the island.
Tip from our locals:
Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the islands. Be sure to go slow and trim up to avoid running around in the shallow areas near the islands. It is also best to anchor your boat on the calm side of the islands to avoid the waves from boat traffic.
Local Scout Tip
Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the islands. It is also best to anchor your boat on the calm side of the islands to avoid the waves from boat traffic.
What kids are saying
Find the expert that’s right for you
Conveniently located on the Bay, you can rent pontoons, kayaks or paddleboards. Their marina is a great starting point for getting out on the water.
Power Up Watersports offers rentals for jet skis and pontoon boats or try a sunset cruise or dolphin tour!
Where to Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach is a family-friendly hotel located directly on the Gulf with lazy river and kids activities.
Tru by Hilton Fort Walton Beach's lobby features a game zone and 24-hour market. Located 5 minutes from the beach, they also have an outdoor pool and free breakfast.
Residence Inn by Marriott – Fort Walton Beach
Residence Inn offers spacious suites, fully equipped kitchens and access to the beach and attractions.
Food + Drink
Located in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Yummies is a sweet morning stop before a day of adventures. They also offer delivery!
Floyd's Shrimp House has great outdoor seating and beautiful views of the Gulf. Be sure to ask about their all-you-can-eat fried shrimp or fish platters.
Rick's on the Island is a family-owned seafood house and oyster bar located on Okaloosa Island right on the Choctawhatchee Bay.
